Saint Ursula Academy Magazine Spring 2018 SUA_MagSpring2018 (2) | Page 2

president’s message
Dear Saint Ursula Academy Community,
It is my hope that when you read this letter, spring has finally sprung! Saint Angela
provided us a fabulous break in the weather for our annual SUA Walk. Much to the
happiness of our students, through their generosity and that of many others, the young
ladies exceeded their goal, granting the entire school community “prom day” off of school.
It is like having a snow day in the spring!
I have so many experiences to draw upon when writing these letters. This spring it
happened at the Church of the Nativity waiting for the funeral of Robert A. Conway, a
dedicated past parent, grandparent, and friend of Saint Ursula Academy to begin.
As I looked around the church, I realized the profound presence Saint Ursula Academy
continues to have in my life and the many women and men who proudly call themselves
Saint Ursula Academy students, alumnae, parents and past parents.
As I walked into church, I was welcomed to sit with Sr. Margaret Mary Efkeman, OSU. Sr.
Margie represents the Sisters who sacrificed greatly to provide their students with an
outstanding education. The Sisters also showed incredible patience, forward thinking,
independence and faith, qualities we all aspire to possess today. I am the woman I am
today because of their love and confidence in my abilities, while sometimes hard to see.
In the pew in front of me, sat Mary and John Kucia. The Kucias were my next door
neighbors growing up. They were the cool young couple with 5 children, making it look all
so easy! Being a parent of four, I certainly understand today this is no easy task.
John and Mary sent their daughter Ellen, class of 1988, to Saint Ursula Academy. I vividly
remember reading a letter to her during Kairos.
John was an SUA trustee, and a faithful advisor to our school community. They have a
granddaughter named Ursula. In the fall, we will welcome their granddaughter Emma
Kucia to the SUA class of 2022!
The Mass began and the large Conway family processed in to celebrate the life of their
dear dad and grandfather. I could not help but take notice of their dedication to each other
and the admiration to their patriarch. While my parents were friends with Ruth and Bob
Conway, I did not cross paths with the family until I became the president of Saint Ursula
Academy. The Conways, like you reading this magazine, showed great love for Saint Ursula
Academy. Sheila, class of 1984, attended Saint Ursula Academy and studied under the
guidance of Geri Walsh. Kieran Conway, granddaughter, graduated from Saint Ursula
in 2012 and will begin working on her masters in Social Work at NKU in the fall. Maeve
Conway, class of 2015, was a fabulous field hockey player and now attends The Ohio State
University. I cannot forget Christian Conway who serves as the longest acting young man
in our SUA plays. While a graduate from Saint Xavier High School, we will always consider
him an honorary SUA graduate.
While The Ursuline Sisters, the Kucias, and Conways are highlighted in this letter, there are
many of you who have similar stories; with an undeniable love for Saint Ursula Academy that
lasts the test of time, like the love we have for you.
As I finish my 7th year as president, we have seen many positive changes within our
programming and campus; changes made to enhance our students’ academic, emotional,
and spiritual experiences. We will begin our next five-year strategic plan in the 2018-2019
school year. As we are in the middle of our planning process, the four focus areas identified
are: Academics, Campus, Diversity/Inclusion, and Financial Sustainability. These focus areas
speak to the unending goals we are obligated to achieve in the name of those who came
before us and those who will come after us.
It is my personal hope that I will have granddaughters attend Saint Ursula someday, and
their experiences, while vastly different than mine, will still have the same love, security and
academic rigor I saw as a student, past parent, and currently as the president of our special
academic institution.
Thanks for being part of the legacy we call “Saint Ursula Academy”.
In Angela Merici,
Lelia Keefe Kramer, ’77, President, Saint Ursula Academy